Which assessment is most closely associated with osteogenesis imperfecta in infants?

The presence of blue sclera is most closely associated with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) in infants. Osteogenesis imperfecta, often referred to as "brittle bone disease," is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily, often with little to no apparent cause. One of the key physical manifestations of OI is the blue tint observed in the sclera, which is due to the underlying connective tissue changes associated with the disorder. The blue sclera results from the thinness and translucence of the collagen-rich layer beneath the sclera, allowing the vascular tissue underneath to show through.

Other assessments or characteristics, while relevant to various conditions or genetic syndromes, do not specifically correlate with osteogenesis imperfecta. For instance, a cleft lip, short stature, and clubfoot primarily signify different syndromes or conditions. Cleft lip is often associated with various craniofacial syndromes, whereas short stature can occur due to numerous genetic or endocrine reasons. Clubfoot is a congenital deformity that affects the positioning of the feet and is not specifically linked to OI. Thus, the unique presence of blue sclera serves as a notable clinical clue in diagnosing osteogenesis imperfecta.